OTRC: Tim Lambesis of As I Lay Dying charged in murder plot

Tim Lambesis of heavy metal band As I Lay Dying is facing some very serious charges.

The 32-year-old musician, who is the frontman for the San Diego group, has been charged with plotting to kill his estranged wife, according to the Associated Press.

Lambesis was charged Wednesday. May 8, with one felony count of solicitation of murder, San Diego County district attorney spokeswoman Tanya Sierra said, according to the outlet.

The vocalist, who had recently become obsessed with body building and had started acting "dangerously distracted" around his children, was scheduled to be arraigned Thursday afternoon.

The group, which consists of members Jordan, Nick, Phil and Josh, posted a message addressed to their fans on the band's official website.

"As we post this, the legal process is taking it's course and we have no more information than you do," the post reads. "There are many unanswered questions, and the situation will become clearer in the coming days and weeks. We'll keep you informed as best we can."

"Our thoughts right now are with Tim, his family, and with everyone else affected by this terrible situation - and with our fans, whom we love and draw strength from," the statement continued. "Thank you for understanding, and as always, for your support of As I Lay Dying."

The performer, who the Los Angeles Times referred to as "an openly Christian heavy metal artist," founded the group in 2000. The band was nominated for a Grammy in 2008 for Best Metal Performance.